Film: The Shawshank Redemption

I've long waited to see this film having been told by many just how fantastic it is. They weren't wrong. Or, in any case, they know me well. The other day I found myself walking into the local music store and walking out with a copy of  Shawshank.


The film reserves judgement on the central circle of inmates of Shawshank prison and draws our attention instead to the atrocities of the prison guards and the warden. The warden is the film's vision of evil epitomised. He uses Andy to pursue his corrupt money-making ends and hides behind the veil of religion. We realise, however, to what lengths Warden is prepared to go midway through the film. On learning of Andy's innocence, he tricks and subsequently kills the young inmate, who leaves a wife and child on the outside, in order to keep Andy imprisoned and his own corruption under wraps.


The group of inmates, whom Red deems are not homosexual because "you have to be human first", are the single truly demonised group of prisoners, in their relentless treatment of Andy; those who are entirely lost. Red, however, after thirty years inside, is a repentant soul who gives a compassionate narration of Andy's prison time.


The men describe themselves as having been "institutionalized". They are no longer able to function in the outside world, with the freedom which it brings, having spent so many years under the jurisdiction of the prison officers, as Red puts it:"Forty years I been asking permission to piss. I can't squeeze a drop without say-so." However, it is Red's friendship with Andy and the family which the men create within the walls of the prison which serve as the emotional heart of the story. It is the loss of this family which makes it near impossible to cope on the outside.


The inevitable tears came as the film drew to a close and I found myself agreeing with a commentator on the DVD's 'extras' who suggests that this film has helped many through some tough times. Shawshank is a powerful story of human spirit, resilience and hope, and, I can imagine it doing just that.